So I called my local dealership and they say I need updated software at 2 hours of labor at my cost. And that the iPod integration would cost $300 in labor and over $400 in parts! WTF
Why would anybody do that!
There has to be a better and cheaper way. As I am new to Bimmer ownership I would love people to chime in on their experiences around this subject. And YES I did a search and looked at what others have said. What I am looking for is a general opinion as to the best course of action.
I have a E92 2007 with IDrive, Nav logic 7 if that helps!

it's a no-win...I explored this too.
i decided to go to an android phone, transfer music to it, plug into the aux
there is an app called "choice dialer" that allows voice command control of the music player

maybe you can do something similar to an iphone if you want to upgrade? ...or android phone as I suggest? The smartphones are going to make the ipod go the way of the dodo bird eventually.

I would check that price again. If they are selling the module for less than $500 BUY IT. BMWNA raised the price for the module (only*) to $1140. Add the cost of dealer install/coding and it is listed at $1875.

Watched a dealer code today; Takes ~5 min to hookup, about 15-20 min total. Tech only has to do a couple clicks at various points but usually watches/waits @ the computer.

how long coding takes really varies, it depends how up to date the latest software is as well as what is needing to be coded. some things do take only 15-20 minutes and then some do actually take a few hours.

how long coding takes really varies, it depends how up to date the latest software is as well as what is needing to be coded. some things do take only 15-20 minutes and then some do actually take a few hours.

Sure..my point was that they will up charge you for add'l time, but not down charge you for the quickies.

I just had this installed (even though it wasn't what I requested) but thankfully I wasn't paying for it. $400 in parts, almost $400 in labor including their mandatory 2hrs for coding.

Just a note : With the official BMW iPod integration kit, I cannot get it to stream Pandora and can only get it to stream the Sirius/XM app by killing it completely, playing a mp3 and then starting the app.

I'm probably just going to get an aftermarket Y cable and a cig lighter to usb adapter.

I put a Dension 500 in my '06 330i and it's great. I bought the genuine BMW USB/AUX jack for the center console and wired that to the Dension in the trunk. I have a 32GB thumb drive plugged in there (I can plug in my android or any other USB MP3 device). All I had to do was change the VO with NCSExpert to include CD Changer (don't remember the $code).

How much was the Unit ?
Where did you get it ?
How did you route the wires from the Trunk (the actual path)?
Did you process the car after changing the VO's ?
Did you feel you needed to use a power supply during the process to maintain the battery or was it pretty quick?

Should it continue the song or set where it left off when I switched off the car? RIght now it resets the song every time. This would normally not be a problem but I listen to trance sets. They are 2-4 hours long. Having them reset every time is a pain in the ass.

The dealer said this is how it should work. But I am thinking they coded something wrong?

Just use an auxiliary cord that costs $20. Or if your car has the option, just store music to the cars hard drive using a flash drive. Both options are much cheaper. What's so special about the iPod BMW kit?

BMW on Midlothian Turnpike in Richmond, VA is doing the install today for $450. $350 for the part and $100 for labor. I think the hour labor is a bit rediculous because they can click and walk away to work on another job. But still, decent deal.